Dear Church Family,

Ten years ago we were at our family reunion and early Sunday morning I woke all the kids to make the trip for our first Sunday here.  When I woke up our little Robbie and told him we had to get ready to go to "Dad's new church",  he promptly told me that it wasn't Dad's church, it was God's church!  This little one who didn't know who Jesus was when he first came to our home spoke truth to this apprehensive soul.

We all walked in a little late which didn't help the inadequacy I felt for this job we were called to.

It was, and is only God's church and we are all blessed to serve together in this special place.

There have been articles I have seen on the internet about "What your Pastor (Pastor's Wife) Wish You Really Knew" and it made me a little sad.  Sure there have been times that I felt like the demands were too great, but in hindsight, I realize that they were never too great.  The times I felt like I was inconvenienced were clearly just times of selfishness on my part and for that I want you to know that I am sorry.  I never want you to think that your needs are not important enough to call.  I am only supposed to be an example of the servanthood of Jesus and I truly regret the times that I have not done that.

I also want you to know that I love you.  You are my family and my friends and I am forever grateful that God chose us for this place.  When you hurt, I hurt.  When you are happy, I am happy.  When I see spiritual growth in your lives I feel like I am the most blessed for the opportunity to watch that process in your life - knowing that all that really matters is what it will be like for you when you talk with Jesus that day.  I want it to be the sweetest for you.

Finally I want you to know that I thank you.  Thank you for welcoming our family into your lives and loving us like you have.  Thank you for trusting us with you most personal needs, knowing that we have nothing to offer but Jesus. Thank you for letting us walk with you through life and for walking with us.  Thank you for encouraging me to be more holy and to desire selflessness.  I don't want to let you down.

 So let's set our sights on Jesus and get started on the next 10 years.

I love you,
Carol